Handsfree elevator control system

ABSTRACT

A touchless elevator call button selection device utilizing a plurality of infrared beams is disclosed along with its method of use. By using beams of light to detect the position of a user&#39;s hand, the touchless elevator call button selection device allows the user to interface with the elevator control system without physically coming into contact with the elevator control system.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/248,819, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/704,946 filed on Jun. 3, 2020 entitled “HANDSFREE ELEVATORCONTROL SYSTEM” as well as priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/198,662 filed on Nov. 2, 2020 entitled “HANDSFREEELEVATOR CONTROL SYSTEM”, the contents of both of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright or trade dress protection. This patentdocument may show and/or describe matter that is or may become tradedress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objectionto the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as itappears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, butotherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates generally to a handsfree elevator controlsystem. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a handsfreeelevator control system that uses beams of light to allow the user tointerface with the elevator control system without physically touchingsaid elevator control system.

BACKGROUND

Traditional elevator call button selection is performed when a userselects their desired floor by physically pressing an elevator callbutton. The elevator system knows which floor to send the elevatorbecause there is electronic coupling of the physical elevator callbuttons to the elevator control system. The elevator control system willthen transport the elevator cab to the desired floor.

The requirement of physical button selection introduces an issue: anincreased likelihood of viral and bacterial transmission spread betweenusers of the elevator. Although, the traditional physical elevator callbutton interface has always been a source of viral and bacterialtransmission, this issue has been brought to the forefront of the publicmind due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Research published in the New EnglandJournal of Medicine shows that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virusresponsible for COVID-19, can remain active on stainless steel andplastic (materials frequently used on elevator call buttons) surfacesfor two to three days.

Surface transmission is especially concerning when coupled with the factthat a 2015 study by Yen Lee Angela Kwok, Jan Gralton, and Mary-LouiseMcLaws, found medical students (a class of individuals far more informedabout the science of viral transmission) to touch their face an averageof 23 times per hour. Put simply, the physical button selection in atraditional elevator cab puts all current riders and future riders at anincreased risk of viral and/or bacterial transmission.

A solution to the issue of multiple elevator riders touching thephysical elevator call buttons would be to have a dedicated elevatoroperator, where the riders would vocally relay their request to theoperator. However, by stationing an elevator operator within theelevator cab there is in an increased risk of droplet or aerosol viraltransmission to the operator and subsequently to future riders,preventing any reduction in the transfer of any virus and/or bacteria.

Another solution to the issue of viral and/or bacterial transmission viaa physical elevator call button is to increase the frequency in whichthe buttons are sanitized. However, unless the control panel issanitized after each contact with the buttons, there is still alikelihood of transmission. Furthermore, both the expense of sanitizingchemicals and labor can be cost prohibitive, in addition to the physicaldamage that the repeated use of oxidizing agents can have on theelevator and its respective control system. This is especiallyproblematic in times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where cleaningsupplies are in short supply.

While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed,or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes ofthe present disclosure as disclosed hereafter.

In the present disclosure, where a document, act, or item of knowledgeis referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act, item of knowledge, or any combinationthereof that was known at the priority date, publicly available, knownto the public, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutesprior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to berelevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the presentdisclosure is concerned.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussedto facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects aredisclaimed. It is contemplated that the claims may encompass one or moreof the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides for a touchless elevator interfacedevice, for use with an elevator call button system, the elevator callbutton system having a plurality of call buttons. In a highly preferredembodiment, the touchless elevator interface device includes a sensormodule equipped with a plurality of sensors and at least oneapplication-specific integrated circuit chip, each sensor having anemitter configured to outwardly emit at least one infrared beam and areceiver. In an embodiment, a variable indexing point is determined byan interruption in any of the at least one infrared beams. In anembodiment, the plurality of sensors are proximate to at least one ofthe other plurality of sensors, where the plurality of sensors aredisposed in the sensor module in a linear manner creating a line in afirst direction, the variable indexing point is determined by aninterruption in any of the at least one infrared beams, the at least oneinfrared beam of each emitter is outwardly emitted in a seconddirection, the first direction and the second direction arenon-parallel, and where the plurality of sensors are in electroniccommunication.

The touchless elevator interface device in accordance with the presentdisclosure also includes a sensor control system comprising a controlboard, the control board having a first memory and a first processor,where the first memory is configured to receive and store an electroniclist of the plurality of calls buttons, a location of each of theplurality of call buttons in relation to other of the plurality of callbuttons, and where the first memory contains computer-readableinstructions for implementing a mapping scheme correlating each of theplurality of call buttons to a variable indexing point of one of theplurality of sensors, and computer-readable instructions containing anindexing point reference table having a means for correlating a givenvariable index point with the mapping scheme. The first processor isconfigured to execute the contents of the first memory. Finally, in manyembodiments, the device in accordance with the present disclosureincludes a sensor housing which envelopes the sensor module.

Note that in a preferred embodiment the sensor housing comprises a firstportion having a first top side, first bottom side, a first left side, afirst right side, a first front face, a first rear face, where the firstrear face is fitted with a fastening mechanism, where the first portionis fastened to the elevator call button system by the fasteningmechanism, and a second portion having a second top side, a secondbottom side, a second left side, a second right side, a second frontface, a second rear face, where the second rear face is attached to thefirst front face, and where the first portion and the second portion aredisposed such that the sensor module rests between the first portion andthe second portion. In an embodiment, the sensor module rests in betweenthe first portion and the second portion such that the plurality ofemitters will outwardly emit light through a gap created between thefirst portion and the second portion.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor housing comprises a top side, abottom side, a left side, a right side, where the right side isconfigured with a light window which extends from the top side to thebottom side, a front face, a rear face, a means of fastening the sensorhousing to the elevator call button system, a sensor cavity integral tothe sensor housing, the sensor cavity sized to receive the sensor modulewithin the sensor housing.

In a further embodiment, the sensor module is a first sensor module, thefirst sensor module having a first plurality of sensors, the firstplurality of sensors configured to outwardly emit a first plurality ofinfrared beams, the device further comprising a second sensor module,the second sensor module having a second plurality of sensors, thesecond plurality of sensors configured to outwardly emit a secondplurality of infrared beams, the second sensor module is in electroniccommunication with the sensor control system and the elevator callbutton system, where the first plurality of infrared beams isnon-parallel to the second plurality of infrared beam.

Note that when a user places their fingers at one of the variableindexing points, the system will register which variable indexing pointwas selected and will transmit a corresponding signal to the existingelevator control system to simulate said button being selected. In apreferred embodiment, the system will notify a user that their selectionwas successful. This can be achieved through a speaker playing a voiceconfirmation or other noise, the corresponding call button being lit up,or some combination thereof. In an embodiment, each of the plurality ofcall buttons is illuminated when activated. In an embodiment, the sensorcontrol system is directly connected to the elevator call button system.

The present disclosure also provides for a touchless elevator interfacedevice, located adjacent to and for use with an elevator call buttonsystem, the elevator call button system having a plurality of callbuttons, the device comprising, an elevator call button displaycomprising a plurality of selection points, where each of the pluralityof selection points corresponds to one of the plurality of call buttons.The touchless elevator interface device, located adjacent to theelevator call button system, also comprises a sensor module comprising aplurality of sensors, each sensor comprising, an emitter configured tooutwardly emit an infrared beam, a receiver, an application-specificintegrated circuit chip, where the application-specific integratedcircuit chip is configured to receive an input from the receiver tocreate a variable indexing point, and where the variable indexing pointis determined by an interruption in the infrared beam.

The touchless elevator interface device, located adjacent to theelevator call button system, also comprises a sensor control systemcomprising a power supply and a control board, the control board havinga memory and a processor, where the memory contains a plurality ofcomputer-readable instructions containing the plurality of call buttons,the plurality of selection points, a mapping scheme correlating each ofthe plurality of selection points to one of the plurality of callbuttons, a mapping scheme correlating each of the plurality of callbuttons to one or more of the sensors, and an indexing point referencetable having a means for correlating a given variable index point withthe mapping scheme, where the processor is configured to execute theplurality of computer-readable instructions, where the sensor controlsystem is in electronic communication with the sensor module, and asensor housing envelopes the sensor module, where the touchless elevatorinterface device is in electronic communication with the elevator callbutton system.

Like the touchless elevator interface device that mounts over thepreexisting elevator call buttons, the touchless elevator interfacedevice located adjacent to the elevator call button system, in preferredembodiments, emits an audible confirmation of a user's selection, in theform of a vocal confirmation or other noises. Preferably, the touchlesselevator interface device located adjacent to the elevator call buttonsystem also comprises at least one status light configured to be incommunication with the sensor control system and the elevator callbutton system. The at least one status light provides confirmation tothe user based on their selection.

The present disclosure also provides for a method for selecting a callbutton of an elevator call button system without touching the callbutton, through use of touchless elevator interface device having asensor module comprising a plurality of sensors, each sensor having anemitter configured to outwardly emit an infrared beam, a receiver, anapplication-specific integrated circuit chip, where theapplication-specific integrated circuit chip is configured to receive aninput from the receiver to create a variable indexing point. There, thevariable indexing point is determined by an interruption in the infraredbeam, a sensor control system comprising a control board, the controlboard having a memory and a processor, where the memory contains aplurality of computer-readable instructions containing the plurality ofcall buttons, a mapping scheme correlating each of the plurality of callbuttons to one or more of the sensors, and an indexing point referencetable having a means for correlating a given variable index point withthe mapping scheme. The processor is configured to execute the pluralityof computer-readable instructions, where the sensor control system is inelectronic communication with the sensor module, and a sensor housingwhich envelopes the sensor module. This is used to perform a method inaccordance with the present disclosure, which starts with emitting theinfrared beam outwardly from the emitter; placing, by a human user,proximate to but not in direct contact with one of the plurality of callbuttons. The method then proceeds to the step of interrupting theinfrared beam by the user's finder to create a variable indexing point;defining a distance equal to the distance between the variable indexingpoint and the emitter; detecting the interruption of the infrared beamvia the receiver; determining, by the control board, which of theplurality of sensors had its respective infrared beam interrupted;determining, by the control board utilizing the indexing point referencetable, the mapping scheme, and the distance, the call button;electronically communicating the desired call button to the elevatorcall button system; and confirming a selection of the desired callbutton by notifying the user.

In a preferable embodiment, note that the step of confirming a selectionof the desired call button by the user, is performed by an integratedspeaker, which is in electronic communication with the touchlesselevator interface device. In another preferable embodiment, note thatthe step of confirming a selection of the desired call button by theuser, is performed by a status light integrated and in electroniccommunication with the touchless elevator interface device.

In an embodiment, the sensor control system is directly connected to theelevator call button system.

In an embodiment, the control board receives power directly from theelevator call button system.

In an embodiment, the sensor housing is made from aluminum.

The claims should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressingany of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed hereinabove. Tothe accomplishment of the above, this disclosure may be embodied in theform illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called tothe fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variationsare contemplated as being part of the disclosure.

Implementations may include one or a combination of any two or more ofthe aforementioned features.

These and other aspects, features, implementations, and advantages canbe expressed as methods, apparatuses, systems, components, programproducts, business methods, and means or steps for performing functions,or some combination thereof.

Other features, aspects, implementations, and advantages will becomeapparent from the descriptions, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals.The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view, showing an example embodiment of thetouchless elevator call system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a right perspective view, showing an example embodiment of thetouchless elevator call system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing an example embodiment of thesensor module according to the present disclosure, installed for use inan elevator.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing a second embodiment of the sensormodule according to the present disclosure, installed for use with anexisting elevator control panel.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which show various exampleembodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exampleembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments areprovided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete, and fullyconveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the variousfigures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the presentinvention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of thepresent invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact,those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading thepresent specification and viewing the present drawings that variousmodifications and variations can be made thereto.

Exhibited below are several solutions for solving the problem ofselecting elevator call buttons without physical interaction with theelevator call buttons.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the frame of the touchlesselevator call button system. Here, the frame is designed to attach tothe base and surround the existing elevator call button panel.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the touchless elevator interfacedevice 300. Here, the system includes a sensor module 302, a sensorcontrol system 306, and a sensor housing 316. In preferred embodiments,the sensor module 302 comprises a plurality of sensors 304, each sensor304 comprising, an emitter, a receiver, and an application-specificintegrated circuit chip. Ideally, the application-specific integratedchip is configured to receive an input from the receiver to create avariable indexing point, where the variable indexing point is determinedby an interruption in the infrared beam. Preferably, the sensor controlsystem has a power supply and a control board, the control board havinga memory and a processor. In some embodiments the control board is aRaspberry Pi or a similar microcomputer.

Referring to FIG. 1, preferably, the sensor housing 316 is a rectangularmember mounted on the left side of a preexisting elevator call buttonsystem, such that the sensor 304 emits infrared beams across the planeof the elevator call buttons 318. In alternate embodiments the sensorhousing 316 is located above, below, or to the right of the elevatorcall buttons 318. Preferably, either the sensor module 302 or the sensorhousing 316 is angled slightly away from the elevator call buttons 318,such that the user's finger interrupts the infrared beam 1.5 to 2 inchesabove the elevator call buttons 318. Alternatively, neither the sensormodule 302 nor the sensor housing 316 is angled away from the elevatorcall buttons 318.

Referring to FIG. 1, preferably, the sensor housing 316 is mounted tothe elevator panel using screws. In this embodiment, screw inserts areplaced into the elevator panel and the sensor housing 316 is fastened tothe panel with screw. In alternate embodiments, the sensor housing 316is fastened to the elevator panel with adhesive. In embodiments wherethe touchless elevator interface device 300 is being used in conjunctionwith elevator call buttons in an elevator bank, the sensor housing 316is mounted adjacent to the elevator bank call buttons. In thisembodiment, the sensor housing 316 is preferably screwed to the elevatorbank wall. Alternatively, the sensor housing 316 may be attached to theelevator bank wall with adhesive.

Referring to FIG. 1, preferably the sensor housing 316 is made frommetal, including: brass, aluminum, stainless steel, or other metals. Inalternate embodiments the sensor housing 316 is made from plastic orwood.

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferable embodiment of the touchless elevatorcall button system 300 comprises a speaker located proximately to theelevator call button system. In some embodiments the speaker is apassive speaker, thus not requiring a power supply. In other embodimentsthe speaker is an active speaker, thus requiring a power supply. In thatembodiment, the speaker draws from the power supply 308 of the touchlesscall button system 300 or an independent power supply. In a preferableembodiment, the speaker provides audible confirmation of a floorselection by emitting a noise. In further embodiments, the touchlesselevator call button system 300 confirms a user's selection by emittinga vocal rendering of the button that was selected. In alternateembodiments, the speaker provides a secondary noise in conjunction witha vocal rendering. The secondary noise may be a “click,” a chime, atone, or other similar noises.

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the touchless elevatorcall button system 300 comprises at least one status light locatedproximately to the elevator call button system. In this preferableembodiment, the status light emits light when a user selects an elevatorcall button 316. Preferably, the status light is an LED, but can also bean incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen light. In one embodiment thestatus light remains dark and only illuminates when a selection is made.In another embodiment, the status light is constantly lit, but emits adifferent color when a selection is made. Preferably, the touchlesselevator call button system 300 is lit by additional lights whichprovide adequate light to a user attempting to make a selection. Infurther embodiments, the touchless elevator call button system 300 isfitted with an ultraviolet light sanitizer. In other embodiments, theelevator call buttons 316 are fitted with lights such that the elevatorcall buttons 316 themselves are independently lit. In such anembodiment, the light integrated into the elevator call button 316 actsas a status indicator light, changing colors or illuminating when aselection is made.

Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the touchless elevator call buttonsystem 400. Here, the system includes an elevator call button display302, a plurality of selection points 304, a sensor module, a sensorcontrol system, and a sensor housing 316. In this embodiment, thetouchless elevator call button system 300 is located adjacent to thepreexisting elevator call button system. In preferable embodiments theelevator call button display has a plurality of selection points, whereeach of the plurality of selection points corresponds to one of theplurality of call buttons 318 (See FIG. 1). For example, a “groundfloor” selection point on the elevator call button display willcorrespond to the “ground floor” call button on the preexisting elevatorcall button system.

However, it is not required that the label on the selection point andthe label on the corresponding preexisting call button 318 be identical.Instead, in some embodiments, it is preferable to label the selectionpoint differently than the label of the preexisting elevator call button318. For example, to reduce the footprint of the elevator call buttondisplay, it may be advantageous to correlate a selection point labeled“1” to the elevator call button labeled “first floor.” In someembodiments, the selection point may correlate to more than one of thepreexisting call buttons. For example, in some embodiments, there is oneselection point labeled “emergency,” that correlates to both theelevator call buttons labeled “emergency alarm” and “emergency stop.”

As shown in FIG. 2, preferably, the selection point is labeled byetching a description of the selection point into the elevator callbutton display. Alternatively, the selection point is labeled using asticker, ink, paint, a series of LEDs, laser etching, a placard, orother means of labeling. In further embodiments, the selection pointsmay be labeled with symbols or graphical representations, in addition toor in conjunction with text labels. For example, a selection point thatcorrelates to an “emergency alarm” preexisting elevator call buttoncould be labeled with a graphical representation of a bell.

Preferably, the elevator call button display is mounted on the same wallor the wall directly adjacent to the preexisting elevator call buttonsystem. However, in some embodiments, the elevator call button displayis mounted to the elevator wall opposite the preexisting elevator callbutton system.

Here, the system includes an elevator call button display, a pluralityof selection points, a sensor module, a sensor control system, and asensor housing. In this embodiment, the touchless elevator call buttonsystem is located on the wall of the elevator bank adjacent to thepreexisting elevator call button system. In other embodiments, thetouchless elevator call button system is located in the elevator bank,but the system is housed in a kiosk. Preferably, the sensor modulecomprises a plurality of sensors 408, each sensor comprising an emitter,a receiver, an application-specific integrated circuit chip. Inpreferable embodiments, the application-specific integrated circuit chipis configured to receive an input from the receiver to create a variableindexing point. The variable indexing point serves as a means ofinterpreting and mapping the user's desired selection. In mostembodiments, the variable indexing point is determined by aninterruption in the infrared beam.

Preferably, the sensor control system has a power supply and a controlboard, the control board having a memory and a processor. In preferableembodiments, the control board is a Raspberry Pi, a single-boardcomputer, or other microcomputer. However, in some embodiments, thesensor control system is directly connected to the preexisting elevatorcall button system, thus not requiring an independent control board.Similarly, although it is preferable to have an independent power supplyfor the control board, in some embodiments the control board receivespower directly from the preexisting elevator call button system.

In a preferred embodiment, the touchless elevator call button systemcomprises a speaker located proximately to the elevator call buttonsystem. In some embodiments the speaker is a passive speaker, thus notrequiring a power supply. In other embodiments the speaker is an activespeaker, thus requiring a power supply. In that embodiment, the speakerdraws from the power supply of the touchless call button system or anindependent power supply. In a preferable embodiment, the speakerprovides audible confirmation of a floor selection by emitting a noise.In further embodiments, the touchless elevator call button systemconfirms a user's selection by emitting a vocal rendering of the buttonthat was selected. In alternate embodiments, the speaker provides asecondary noise in conjunction with a vocal rendering. The secondarynoise may be a “click,” a chime, a tone, or other similar noises.

In some embodiments, the system in accordance with the presentdisclosure comprises at least one status light located proximately tothe elevator call button display. In this preferable embodiment, thestatus light emits light when a user selects a selection point.Preferably, the status light is an LED, but can also be an incandescent,fluorescent, or halogen light. In one embodiment the status lightremains dark and only illuminates when a selection is made. In anotherembodiment, the status light is constantly lit, but emits a differentcolor when a selection is made. Preferably, the elevator call buttondisplay is lit by additional lights which provide adequate light to auser attempting to make a selection. In further embodiments, theelevator call button display is fitted with an ultraviolet lightsanitizer.

In an alternate embodiment the touchless elevator interface devicecomprises more than one sensor module. In one embodiment, a first sensormodule is affixed along the y-axis and a second sensor module is affixedalong the x-axis. In this embodiment, both sensor modules are positionedsuch that the infrared beams are in the direction of the elevator callbuttons.

In further embodiments multiple sensor modules are affixed to multipleelevator call button panels. For example, in situations where sets ofelevator call buttons are distant from each other, it is advantageous toutilize multiple sensor modules. In such an embodiment, each sensormodule will be coupled with a sensor control system. In alternativeembodiments, each sensor module will be coupled to one sensor controlsystem.

Preferably, the memory contains a plurality of computer-readableinstructions containing the plurality of call buttons, a mapping schemecorrelating each of the plurality of call buttons to one or more of thesensors, and an indexing point reference table having a means forcorrelating a given variable index point with the mapping scheme.Preferably, the memory contains the mapping scheme in the form of atable, spreadsheet, string, or other data structure where a particularvariable indexing point corresponds to a particular variable elevatorcall button. In embodiments where the touchless elevator interfacedevice is located adjacent to the elevator call button system andcomprises an elevator call button display, there is a mapping schemethat correlates a selection point to an elevator call button. Thisembodiment also utilizes a mapping scheme in the form of a table,spreadsheet, string, or other data structure where a selection pointcorresponds to an elevator call button.

In preferable embodiments, the elevator call buttons are operational inconjunction with the touchless elevator interface device. In otherwords, although it is advisable for a user to use the touchless elevatorinterface device as a primary means of operating the elevator, thephysical elevator call buttons will continue to be operational. Inalternate embodiments, the physical elevator call buttons are disabledso that only the touchless elevator interface device is operational.

Preferably, the sensor control system is in electronic communicationwith the sensor module via a wired connection. However, there are otherembodiments where the sensor control system is in wireless electroniccommunication with the sensor module. Also, preferably, the sensorcontrol system is in electronic communication with the elevator callbutton system via a wired connection. However, there are otherembodiments where the sensor control system is in wireless electroniccommunication with the elevator call button system.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s)thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean thatthere are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective“another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one ormore elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive such that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be madeand equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, manymodifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt aparticular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it isintended that the disclosure not be limited to the particularembodiments disclosed.

It is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being“on” another element, it can be directly on the other element orintervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there areno intervening elements present.

Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.

It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, “first,”“second,” and “third,” are used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer and/or section from another element, component, region, layerand/or section. Thus, a “first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer”and/or “section” discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer and/or section without departing from theteachings herein.

Features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be usedwith another embodiment and such variations come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, are used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross sectionillustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments.As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations, for example,of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus,example embodiments described herein should not be construed as limitedto the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein, but are toinclude deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flatmay, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharpangles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are notintended to limit the scope of the present claims.

As the invention has been described in connection with what is presentlyconsidered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosedembodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope ofthe appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, theyare used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

In conclusion, herein is presented a touchless elevator interfacedevice, its method of use, and method of installation. The disclosure isillustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout thewritten description. It should be understood that numerous variationsare possible while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variationsare contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touchless elevator interface device, for usewith an elevator call button system, the elevator call button systemhaving a plurality of call buttons, the device comprising: a sensormodule comprising a plurality of sensors and at least oneapplication-specific integrated circuit chip, each sensor having; anemitter configured to outwardly emit at least one infrared beam; and areceiver, wherein a variable indexing point is determined by aninterruption in any of the at least one infrared beams, a sensor controlsystem comprising a control board, the control board having a firstmemory and a first processor; wherein the first memory is configured toreceive and store an electronic list of the plurality of calls buttons,a location of each of the plurality of call buttons in relation to otherof the plurality of call buttons, wherein the first memory containscomputer-readable instructions for implementing a mapping schemecorrelating each of the plurality of call buttons to a variable indexingpoint of one of the plurality of sensors, and computer-readableinstructions containing an indexing point reference table having a meansfor correlating a given variable index point with the mapping scheme,wherein the first processor is configured to execute the contents of thefirst memory, and a sensor housing which envelopes the sensor module. 2.The device of claim 1, the sensor housing comprising: a first portionhaving a first top side, first bottom side, a first left side, a firstright side, a first front face, a first rear face; wherein the firstrear face is fitted with a fastening mechanism, wherein the firstportion is configured to be fastened proximate to the elevator callbutton system by the fastening mechanism; and a second portion having asecond top side, a second bottom side, a second left side, a secondright side, a second front face, a second rear face; wherein the secondrear face is attached to the first front face, and wherein the firstportion and the second portion are disposed such that the sensor modulerests in between the first portion and the second portion such that theplurality of emitters will outwardly emit light through a gap createdbetween the first portion and the second portion.
 3. The device of claim1, further comprising an amplifier and a speaker, located proximately tothe elevator call button system, the speaker is in electroniccommunication with the sensor control system and the elevator callbutton system, wherein the speaker is configured to emit noise.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of call buttons isilluminated when activated.
 5. The device of claim 4, the sensor housingcomprising: a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side;wherein the right side is configured with a light window which extendsfrom the top side to the bottom side; a front face, a rear face, a meansof fastening the sensor housing to the elevator call button system, asensor cavity integral to the sensor housing, the sensor cavity sized toreceive the sensor module within the sensor housing.
 6. The device ofclaim 5, further comprising at least one status light locatedproximately to the elevator call button system, the at least one statuslight being in electronic communication with the sensor control systemand the elevator call button system.
 7. The device of claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of sensors are proximate to at least one of theother plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors aredisposed in the sensor module in a linear manner creating a line in afirst direction, wherein the at least one infrared beam of each emitteris outwardly emitted in a second direction, wherein the first directionand the second direction are non-parallel, and wherein the plurality ofsensors are in electronic communication.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein the sensor control system is directly connected to the elevatorcall button system.
 9. A method for selecting a call button of anelevator call button system without touching the call button, throughuse of touchless elevator interface device a sensor module comprising aplurality of sensors and at least one application-specific integratedcircuit chip, each sensor having an emitter configured to outwardly emitat least one infrared beam, and a receiver, where each of the pluralityof sensors are proximate to at least one of the other plurality ofsensors, where the variable indexing point is determined by aninterruption in any of the at least one infrared beams, a sensor controlsystem comprising a control board, the control board having a firstmemory and a first processor, where the first memory is configured toreceive and store an electronic list of the plurality of calls buttons,a location of each of the plurality of call buttons in relation to otherof the plurality of call buttons, where the first memory containscomputer-readable instructions for implementing a mapping schemecorrelating each of the plurality of call buttons to a variable indexingpoint of one of the plurality of sensors, and computer-readableinstructions containing an indexing point reference table having a meansfor correlating a given variable index point with the mapping scheme,where the first processor is configured to execute the contents of thefirst memory, where the sensor control system, the sensor module, andthe elevator call button system are all in electronic communicationtherewith, the method comprising the steps of: a. emitting the infraredbeam outwardly from the plurality of emitters; b. placing a finger, by ahuman user, proximate to, but not in direct contact with, one of theplurality of call buttons; c. interrupting one infrared beam, with thefinger, to create a variable indexing point; d. defining a distanceequal to the distance between the variable indexing point and theemitter; e. detecting the interruption of the infrared beam via thereceiver; f. determining, by the control board, which of the pluralityof sensors had its respective infrared beam interrupted; g. determining,by the control board utilizing the indexing point reference table, themapping scheme, and the distance, the call button of step b; h.electronically activating the desired call button; and i. confirming aselection of the desired call button by notifying the user.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein step i is performed by an integrated speakerintegrated and in electronic communication with the touchless elevatorinterface device.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein step i is performedby a status light integrated and in electronic communication with thetouchless elevator interface device.
 12. The method of claim 9, whereinthe sensor control system is directly connected to the elevator callbutton system.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the control boardreceives power directly from the elevator call button system.
 14. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the sensor housing is made from aluminum.